Good News: Women Up to Age 45 Are Now Eligible for the HPV Vaccine
In this video, learn about the updated vaccine for HPV, which can help prevent certain infections that are known to lead to cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine first hit the market in 2006, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccine for adolescents — especially girls — until age 26. HPV causes an annual average of 33,700 cancers, according to the CDC, and the vaccine has proved to be effective at preventing most of these cancers from developing.
But what about the people who were older than 26 after the vaccine was released? Even for those who were eligible at the time, HPV vaccination took a while to become “the norm,” and many young adults became ineligible before knowing the benefits of getting the HPV vaccine. Luckily, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated guidelines of the HPV vaccine, and many people who previously missed their opportunity might have another chance.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Genital HPV infection - fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). HPV vaccine.
National Cancer Institute. (2021). Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). NCI dictionary of cancer terms: oropharynx.
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Wellness visit.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2018). FDA approves expanded use of Gardasil 9 to include individuals 27 through 45 years old.